Tag Archives: middle-earth: shadow of war

8:30 PM EST – E3 is in full swing, currently WB Games is streaming new gameplay from the highly anticipated Middle-Earth: Shadow of War. The sequel to the 2014 games takes place in between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring (for context.) The game reintroduces mechanics very similar to Shadow of Mordor, and improves on them. Not only this, but their hierarchy system has received a huge upgrade, and may be the best new feature of the game completely.

The new mechanic allows orc commanders to expand, and strengthen their army with every victory called “The Nemesis System”. Not only that, but each orc commander will be able to team up with other orc commanders making their army stronger, and much more difficult to defeat. Additionally, these orc commanders will bring special traits to their armies. These Legendary orc commanders will inhabit their own unique lairs which will come with their own set of challenges.

Shadow of Mordor seems to bring the compelling, addictive gameplay from Shadow of War and amplifies it. The battles are bigger, the enemies more grotesque, and the stakes that much higher. Sauron’s army seems like it has gained greater hold of the land, and those of us familiar will the books and films know how it all plays out. Nonetheless, Talion’s story is one that’s as compelling and as immersive as the films and books themselves.